Combination cosmetic applicator

ABSTRACT

A cosmetic applicator includes a handle having a distal end and a proximal end and a head, configured for application of one or more cosmetic products to a surface, attached to the proximal end of the handle. The head comprises a plurality of portions wherein at least one portion comprises a brush and at least one portion comprises a paddle or other application member.

BACKGROUND

A typical cosmetic brush applicator contains a handle and a plurality offibers attached to one end of the handle. This combination of a handleand a plurality of fibers provides a simple, low-cost and effectivebrush for the application of cosmetic materials. However, cosmetic orpersonal care products range from hard packed powder compositions tosofter powder compositions, lotions and other liquid solutions.Moreover, cosmetic compositions are used in many different applications.For example, more rigid compositions can be used for harsherapplications like lining and contouring and often require stiffer, morerigid brushes. In contrast, fluffier materials which can be used forsofter applications, like blending, often require softer, more flexiblebrushes. Hence, since different applications often require differentapplicators, users are required to purchase a plurality of brushapplicators. Accordingly, there remains a need for improved applicators.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts of applicatorshaving combination brush and paddle applicator heads, which are furtherdescribed below in the Detailed Description. This summary is notintended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter,nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimedsubject matter.

According to an embodiment, this disclosure is directed to cosmeticapplicators comprising a handle having a distal end and a proximal end,and a head, configured for application of one or more cosmetic productsto a surface, attached to the proximal end of the handle. A firstportion of the head comprises a brush and a second portion of the headcomprises a paddle or other application member.

In some implementations, the head includes a first portion, a secondportion and a third portion, and each of the first portion, the secondportion and the third portion comprises a brush, a paddle or otherapplication member, or a combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Theuse of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similaror identical items.

FIGS. 1A-1C depict front, back and side views, respectively, of anapplicator according to one illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts a front view of an applicator according to anotherillustrative embodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of an applicator according to yet anotherillustrative embodiment.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict front and side views, respectively, of anapplicator according to another illustrative embodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts a front view of an applicator according to anotherillustrative embodiment of an applicator.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of yet another illustrative embodimentof an applicator.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the applicator of FIG. 6taken along line A-A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

This disclosure is directed to applicators having a handle connected toan applicator head. The term “applicator head” or “head” may include acombination of one or more brush portions, one or more paddle portions,and/or one or more other application members. According to certainembodiments, the applicator head may comprise two portions with a firstportion comprising a brush and second portion comprising a paddle orother application member. According to certain embodiments, the firstportion may surround the second portion. According to other embodiments,the applicator head may comprise three or more portions with eachportion comprising a brush, a paddle, an application member, or acombination of the foregoing. According to certain embodiments, thefirst and third portions, may each comprise a brush, and may surround orsandwich the second portion, which may comprise a paddle or otherapplication member.

In some embodiments, the first portion may have a different size orshape, relative to the second or third portions. For example, inembodiments where the applicator head has two portions, the firstportion and second portions may each independently comprise from about5.0% to about 95%, from about 20% to about 60% or from about 45% toabout 55% of the combined applicator head cross sectional area. Incertain embodiments, the first and second portions each comprise about50% of the combined applicator head cross sectional area. For anotherexample, the first portion and the second portion may have a split offirst-to-second portion of approximately 10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60,50:50, etc. To illustrate, for 20:80, the first portion may compriseapproximately 20% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicatorhead while the second portion may comprise approximately 80% of thecombined applicator head. In embodiments having three or more portions,each portion may comprise from about 5.0% to about 95%, from about 20%to about 60% or from about 30% to about 50% of the combinedcross-sectional area of the applicator head. In certain embodiments, thefirst, second and third portions may each comprise about 33.3% of thecombined applicator head cross sectional area. In still otherembodiments, the first and third portion may be of a different or thesame size and comprise from 35% to about 45% each of the combinedcross-sectional area of the applicator head while the second portion,which may be surrounded or sandwiched by the first and third portions,may comprise from 10% to about 30% of the combined cross-sectional areaof the applicator head.

According to certain embodiments, the brush may be made of naturalbristles, synthetic bristles (e.g. plastic, silicone, latex orcomposites thereof), metallic bristles, flocking or a composite thereof.According to certain embodiments, the paddle or other application membermay be made of silicone, rubber, sponge, foam, latex, an elastomer,plastic or a composite thereof. According to other embodiments, thepaddle or other application member may additionally or alternativelyinclude metal, ceramic, glass, stone, wood, or composites thereof. Insome embodiments, the paddle may comprise a spatula, spoon, scoop,spreader, or knife. Other application members may include, for exampleand without limitation, a conical or pencil-shaped member, a pyramidshaped member, or a rod (e.g., having a cylindrical, polygonal, orvariable cross section, and having a domed, conical, pyramidal, or flatterminus). The size and shape of the brush(es), paddle(s), and/or otherapplication member(s) may vary depending on, among other things, theproduct to be applied, the location to which the product is to beapplied, and/or the method in which the product is to be applied.Moreover, according to certain embodiments, the handle may comprisemetal, glass, stone, ceramic, plastic, wood, or a composite thereof.

In certain embodiments, the handle and applicator head may be connectedor joined together via, for example, fusing, gluing, anchoring,clamping, press-fit, stapling or inserting the applicator head into atleast a portion the handle. In other embodiments, the handle andapplicator head can be joined via, for example, a ferrule made ofplastic, metal or other suitable material.

According to certain embodiments, the applicator may be used forapplying one or more cosmetic or medicinal products to a surface, suchas skin or hair. For example, a paddle portion or other applicationmember of the applicator may be used with more rigid compositions to,for example, scrape or dig the product from a container. In suchexamples, the paddle or application member may be made rigid orsemi-rigid to facilitate removal of the product from the container. Inother implementations, the paddle or application member portion may beused for certain application techniques, such as lining and contouring(e.g., for applying eye liner to a user's eye). In such examples, thepaddle or application member may be made flexible or resilient asappropriate for the application techniques. In contrast, the brushportion may be used for applying fluffier or softer materials to, forexample swab or lift the product from a container. Moreover, the brushportion may be used for certain application techniques, such as blottingor blending (e.g. for applying blush to a user's cheek).

Illustrative Two Portion Combination Paddle and Brush Applicator

FIGS. 1A-1C represent an illustrative combination paddle and brushapplicator 100 (“applicator”). In this implementation, the applicator100 includes a handle 102, a ferrule 110, and an applicator head 104that comprises a first portion 106 and a second portion 108 with eachportion comprising or being formed from different materials. As can beseen in these three figures, the applicator head 104 has a wide frontface 120, a wide back face 122, and at least one narrow side face 124.In one implementation, the first portion 106 of the applicator head 104comprises a brush having a plurality of bristles and the second portion108 comprises a paddle in the shape of a spatula. However, in otherembodiments, the materials used in the first and second portions can beswitched such that the first portion 106 comprises a paddle and thesecond portion 108 comprises a brush. The brush may comprise, forexample, natural bristles, synthetic bristles (e.g. plastic, silicone,latex or composites thereof), metallic bristles, flocking or a compositethereof. In addition, the paddle may comprise, for example, rubber,silicone, sponge, foam, latex, an elastomer, plastic or a compositethereof. According to other example embodiments, the paddle mayadditionally or alternatively include metal, ceramic, glass, stone,wood, or composites thereof. The handle 102 may be any convenient sizeand shape and may comprise, for example, metal, glass, stone, ceramic,plastic, wood, or a composite thereof. Moreover, the ferrule 110 maycomprise plastic or metal or other suitable material and serves toprovide or reinforce a connection or bond between the handle 102 andapplicator head 104.

As can be seen in FIG. 1B, the second portion 108 of the applicator head104 comprises a paddle. While the paddle may be comprised of materialsuch that the paddle is somewhat flexible, in some embodiments, thematerial used to make the paddle may be firm enough to scrape or dig afirm cosmetic or medicinal product (e.g., a packed powder) from theproduct container and apply the product to a surface as a line or forcontouring. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 1B, the paddle is elongated andflat with a rounded, or curved, edge, the specific functions of thepaddle dictates its exact size and shape. For example, in otherembodiments, the paddle may be of virtually any shape such as flat andrectangular, trapezoidal or angled with relatively straight edges.

As can be seen in FIG. 1A, the first portion 106 of the applicator head104 comprises a brush that may be firm enough to maintain its generalshape when not in use. However, the brush may also be supple enough toswab or blot a soft, powdery or liquid/gel-like cosmetic or medicinalproduct from the product container. Moreover, while as shown in FIG. 1A,the brush forms an elongated and flat structure with a rounded, orcurved, edge, the specific function of the brush dictates its exactshape. However, in other embodiments, the brush may be of virtually anyshape such as flat and rectangular, trapezoidal or angled withrelatively straight edges.

According to the embodiment exemplified in FIG. 1C, when viewing theside face 124 of the applicator 100, a first side of the side face 124comprises the first portion 106 and a second side of the side of theside face 124 comprises the second portion 108. Moreover, as explainedabove, the first portion 106 or the second portion of the applicator maycomprise from about 5.0% to about 95%, from about 20% to about 60% orfrom about 45% to about 55% of the combined cross-sectional area of theapplicator head 104 or the two portions may each comprise about 50% ofthe combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head 104.

In still other embodiments, the overall length of the first portion 106may be greater than the overall length of the second portion 108 suchthat the first portion 106 appears longer than, or extends beyond, thesecond portion 108 when viewing the side face 124 of the applicator 100.In still other embodiments, the overall length of the second portion 108may be greater than the overall length of the first portion 108.

FIG. 2 represents another illustrative combination paddle and brushapplicator 200 (“applicator”). In this implementation, the applicator200 includes a handle 202, a ferrule 210, and an applicator head 204that comprises first a portion 206 and a second portion 208 with eachportion comprising or being formed from different materials. Similar tothe embodiment exemplified in FIGS. 1A-1C, the applicator 200 accordingto this embodiment may also have a wide front face, a wide back face(not shown), and at least one narrow side face (not shown). However,other shaped applicators, such as, for example, rounded or circular, arealso possible. According to this embodiment, the first portion 206 ofthe applicator head 204 comprises a brush and the second portion 208comprises a paddle. However, in other embodiments, the materials used inthe first and second portions can be switched such that the firstportion 206 comprises a paddle and the second portion 208 comprises abrush.

The materials used to make each of the first portion 206, second portion208, handle 202 and ferrule 210 may be any combination of thosedescribed with respect to the corresponding parts of the applicator 100described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C. Moreover, while theapplicator head 204 is shown as being flat and elongated with a roundedor curved edge, the size and shape of each of the first portion 206,second portion 208, handle 202 and the ferrule 210 can be as describedabove with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C.

According to an embodiment, when viewing the front face of theapplicator 200, a first side of the front face of the applicator head204 comprises the first portion 206 and a second side of the front facecomprises the second portion 208. Moreover, as explained above, thefirst portion 206 or the second portion 208 may comprise from about 5.0%to about 95%, from about 20% to about 60% or from about 45% to about 55%of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head 204 or thetwo portions may each comprise about 50% of the combined cross-sectionalarea of the applicator head 204. In still other embodiments, the overalllength of the first portion 206 may be greater than the overall lengthof the second portion 208 such that the first portion 206 appears longerthan, or extends beyond, the second portion 208 when viewing the sideface of the applicator 200. Alternatively, the overall length of thesecond portion 208 may be greater than the overall length of the firstportion 206.

FIG. 3 represents still another illustrative combination paddle andbrush applicator 300 (“applicator”). In this implementation, theapplicator 300 includes a handle 302, a ferrule 310, and an applicatorhead 304 that comprises a first portion 306 and a second portion 308with each portion comprising or being formed from different materials.Again, the materials used to make each of the first portion 306, secondportion 308, handle 302 and ferrule 310 are similar to the materialsdescribed above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1C and FIG. 2. However,according to this embodiment the applicator head 304 is shown as beingflat and elongated with an angled head 304 that is longer at one side,when view from the front, and gradually shortens towards the oppositeside. Again, the first portion 306 or the second portion 308 of theapplicator 300 may comprise from about 5.0% to about 95%, from about 20%to about 60% or from about 45% to about 55% of the combinedcross-sectional area of the applicator head 304 or the two portions mayeach comprise about 50% of the combined cross-sectional area of theapplicator head 304.

Illustrative Three Portion Combination Paddle and Brush Applicator

FIGS. 4A and 4B represent another illustrative combination paddle andbrush applicator 400 (“applicator”). In this implementation, theapplicator 400 includes a handle 402, a ferrule 410, and an applicatorhead 404 that comprises a first portion 406, a second portion 408, and athird portion 412. According to certain embodiments, each portion maycomprise or be formed from different materials or, alternatively, thefirst and third portion can be formed from the same or similar materialswith the second portion being formed from a different material. However,according to certain embodiments and as shown in FIG. 4B, the firstportion 406 and third portions 412 are formed of a brush and the secondportion 408 includes a paddle.

The materials used to make each of the first portion 406, second portion408, third portion 412, handle 402 and ferrule 410 may be anycombination of the materials used to make the portions and othercorresponding parts of the various applicators described above.Moreover, the size and shape of each of the first portion 406, secondportion 408, third portion, handle 402 and the ferrule 410 can be asdescribed above.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the applicator head has a wide frontface, a wide back face (not shown), and at least one narrow side face.According to an embodiment, when viewing the side face applicator 400, afirst side of the side face comprises the first portion 406, a middlesection of the side face comprises the second portion 408, and secondside of the side face comprises the third portion 412. Moreover, asexplained above, each portion may comprise from about 5.0% to about 95%,from about 20% to about 60% or from about 30% to about 50% of thecombined cross-sectional area of the applicator head. In certainembodiments, the first, second and third portions each comprise about33.3% of the combined cross-sectional area of the applicator head. Instill other embodiments, the first and third portion may a different orthe same size and comprise from 35% to about 45% each of combinedcross-sectional area of the applicator head while the second portion,which may be surrounded or sandwiched (as shown in FIG. 4B) by the firstand third portions, may comprise from 10% to about 30% each of combinedcross-sectional area of the applicator head.

In still other embodiments, the overall length of the second portion 408may be greater than the overall length of the first portion 406 andthird portion 412 such that the second portion 408 appears longer than,or extends beyond, the first portion 406 and third portion 412 whenviewing the side face of the applicator 400. Alternatively, the overalllength of the first portion 406 and third portion 412 may be greaterthan the overall length of the second portion 408. In still otherembodiments, each portion can be of a different length from each of theother two.

FIG. 5 represents another illustrative combination applicator 500(“applicator”) including one or more brush portions 502 (two brushportions are shown in this figure) and a paddle portion 504. Accordingto this embodiment, a temperature modulation element 506 is embeddedwithin the paddle portion 504. While the temperature modulation element506 is only shown in FIG. 5, it should be understood that thetemperature modulation element may be embedded in the paddle portion ofany embodiment described herein. Moreover, the temperature modulationelement 506 can cool or heat the paddle and can be in the form of aresistive element (e.g., a coil), a refrigerant or fluid coolant orheater, or any other element capable of imparting a heating or coolingeffect.

This embodiment may also include a power source 508 disposed in a handle510 or ferrule of the applicator, which provides electrical power forthe temperature modulating element 506. According to an embodiment,electricity provided to the temperature modulating element 506 may becontrolled via a temperature controller 512. According to an embodiment,the power source 508 may include, for example, one or more fuel cells,one or more solar cells and/or one or more batteries which may bedisposable or rechargeable. According to another embodiment, the devicecan include an alternating current (AC) adapter (not shown) to beplugged into a wall socket or other external electrical source.

Illustrative Implement with Applicator Member Surrounded by Brush

FIGS. 6 and 7 represent an illustrative cosmetic implement 600 having anapplicator head 602 coupled to a handle 604. The applicator head 602 inthis example includes a first portion 606 comprising a brush thatencircles or otherwise surrounds a second portion 608 comprising anapplication member. While not shown, in some embodiments, the cosmeticimplement 600 may also include a ferrule to couple, or reinforce acoupling of, the applicator head 602 to the handle 604. In one specificexample, the application member of the second portion 608 may be made ofsilicone. However, in other examples, the materials used to make each ofthe first portion 606, second portion 608, handle 604 and ferrule (ifincluded) may be any combination of those described with respect to thecorresponding parts of the applicator 100 described above with respectto FIGS. 1A-1C.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, the second portion 608 isillustrated as a cylindrical rod with a conical terminus having arounded tip. The first portion 606, which in this example comprisesbrush, encircles the second portion 608. In other embodiments, thesecond portion 608 may comprise an application member having any othersuitable shape, such as for, example, a conical or pencil-shaped member,a pyramid shaped member, or a rod (e.g., having a cylindrical,polygonal, or variable cross section, and having a domed, pyramidal, orflat terminus). In the case where the second member 608 is non-circular,the first portion 606 may surround a perimeter of the second portion608.

In this example, the terminus of the second portion 608 extends distallybeyond the first portion 606. However, in other embodiments, the firstportion 606 may extend distally beyond the second portion 608, or thefirst portion 606 and second portion 608 may extend a same distance andbe coterminous.

The first and second portions 606, 608 of this embodiment are formedsuch that when assembled and viewed from a profile (i.e., a directionperpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the handle 604), the applicatorhead 602 has a teardrop shape. The application member of the firstportion 606 may be used, for example, to pick up and apply an eye linerproduct around an eye of a user, while the brush of the second portion608 may be used to blend the eyeliner into an eyelid of the user. Thebrush of the second portion 608 may additionally or alternatively beused to pick up and apply another product (e.g., eye shadow) around theeye of the user.

The foregoing combination applicators are some examples of applicatorsthat may perform functions of multiple conventional applicators.However, numerous other variations are also within the scope of thisdisclosure. For instance, any of the features of the example embodimentsmay be combined with features of other example embodiments orconventional applicators, rearranged, modified, or omitted entirelywithout departing from the scope of the disclosure.

CONCLUSION

Although several embodiments have been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features oracts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed asillustrative forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cosmetic or medicinal applicator comprising: ahandle having a distal end and a proximal end; and a head, configuredfor application of one or more cosmetic or medicinal products to asurface, attached to the proximal end of the handle, wherein a firstportion of the head comprises a brush and a second portion of the headcomprises a paddle or application member.
 2. The cosmetic applicatoraccording to claim 1, wherein the head comprises a wide front face, awide back face and a narrow side face.
 3. The cosmetic applicatoraccording to claim 2, wherein the first portion comprises from about 5.0to about 95% of a cross-sectional area of the head.
 4. The cosmeticapplicator according to claim 1, wherein the first portion surrounds thesecond portion.
 5. The cosmetic applicator according to claim 4, whereinthe first portion comprises from about 5.0 to about 95% % of across-sectional area of the head.
 6. The cosmetic applicator accordingto claim 1, further comprising a temperature modulation element embeddedwithin the second portion.
 7. The cosmetic applicator according to claim1, wherein the second portion includes a proximal end attached to theproximal end of the handle and a distal end that extends beyond thefirst portion.
 8. The cosmetic applicator according to claim 1, whereinthe brush comprises natural bristles, synthetic bristles, metallicbristles, flocking or a composite thereof.
 9. The cosmetic applicatoraccording to claim 1, wherein the paddle or application member comprisesrubber, silicone, sponge, foam, latex, elastomer, plastic or a compositethereof.
 10. The cosmetic applicator according to claim 1, wherein thepaddle or application member is rigid or semi-rigid and includes metal,ceramic, glass, stone, wood, or a composite thereof.
 11. The cosmeticapplicator according to claim 1, further comprising a third portionwhich comprises a brush, a paddle, or an application member.
 12. Acosmetic or medicinal applicator comprising: a handle having a distalend and a proximal end; and a head, configured for application of one ormore cosmetic or medicinal products to a surface, attached to theproximal end of the handle, wherein: the head includes a first portion,a second portion and a third portion, and each of the first portion, thesecond portion and the third portion comprises a brush, a paddle, anapplication member or a combination thereof.
 13. The cosmetic ormedicinal applicator according to claim 12, wherein the first portionand the third portion comprise bristles and the second portion comprisesa paddle or application member.
 14. The cosmetic or medicinal applicatoraccording to claim 13, further comprising a temperature modulationelement embedded within the second portion.
 15. The cosmetic ormedicinal applicator according to claim 13, wherein the second portionincludes a proximal end attached the proximal end of the handle and adistal end that extends beyond the first portion.
 16. The cosmetic ormedicinal applicator according to claim 13, wherein the second portionincludes a proximal end attached the proximal end of the handle and adistal end that extends beyond the first portion and the third portion.17. The cosmetic or medicinal applicator according to claim 12, whereinthe head comprises a wide front face, a wide back face and a narrow sideface.
 18. The cosmetic or medicinal applicator according to claim 12,wherein the brush comprises natural bristles, synthetic bristles,metallic bristles, flocking or a composite thereof.
 19. The cosmetic ormedicinal applicator according to claim 12, wherein the paddle orapplication member comprises silicone, rubber, sponge, foam, latex,elastomer, plastic or a composite thereof.
 20. The cosmetic or medicinalapplicator according to claim 12, wherein the paddle is rigid orsemi-rigid and includes metal, ceramic, glass, stone, wood, or acomposite thereof.
 21. A cosmetic or medicinal implement comprising: ahandle having a distal end and a proximal end; and a head, configuredfor application of one or more cosmetic or medicinal products to asurface, attached to the proximal end of the handle, wherein a firstportion of the head comprises a brush and a second portion of the headcomprises a solid flexible applicator.
 22. The cosmetic or medicinalimplement of claim 21, wherein the solid flexible applicator comprisesrubber, silicone, sponge, foam, latex, elastomer, plastic or a compositethereof.
 23. The cosmetic or medicinal implement of claim 21, whereinthe solid flexible applicator comprises a paddle.
 24. The cosmetic ormedicinal implement of claim 21, wherein the solid flexible applicatorcomprises a cylindrical rod having a conical terminus with a roundedtip.
 25. The cosmetic or medicinal implement of claim 21, wherein thehead has a substantially teardrop shape.
 26. The cosmetic or medicinalimplement of claim 21, wherein the brush comprises natural bristles,synthetic bristles, metallic bristles, flocking or a composite thereof.